How to get married in Thailand

Types of Marriages in Thailand

• Legal Marriage Registration: This is the official and legally recognized form of marriage in Thailand.
• Traditional Thai Wedding Ceremony: This is an optional cultural celebration with Buddhist or other religious customs that may or may not accompany a legal registration.

Legal Marriage Registration in Thailand

Eligibility Requirements:

• Age: Both parties must be at least 17 years old. Parental consent is required if under 20.
• Single Status: You must be legally single (never married, divorced, or widowed). You'll need to provide proof of this (e.g., divorce decree, death certificate).
• No Close Relation: Parties cannot be closely related by blood.

Steps:

1. Obtain Required Documents:
   • Passports and proof of arrival in Thailand (like your arrival card)
   • Proof of single status (see above)
   • If foreign, an Affirmation of Freedom to Marry issued by your embassy or consulate in Thailand.
2. Translation and Authentication: All foreign-language documents must be translated into Thai and authenticated by the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
3. Visit the District Office (Amphur): Both parties must appear in person at a Thai district office to register the marriage.
4. Marriage Certificate: After registration, you will receive a Thai marriage certificate. A certified translation may be needed for use outside of Thailand.

Additional Considerations

• Pre-nuptial Agreements: It's advisable to consider a pre-nuptial agreement to protect assets, especially if one partner is a foreigner.
• Same-Sex Marriage: Thailand does not currently issue marriage certificates for same-sex couples.

• Embassy/Consulate Involvement: Your embassy or consulate can be a valuable resource for getting an Affirmation of Freedom to Marry and for any other assistance with the marriage process.

   

Important Websites

• Thailand Embassy (General Information): https://www.thaiembassy.com/family/marriage-in-thailand
• US Embassy in Thailand: https://th.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/local-resources-of-u-s-citizens/getting-married-in-thailand/
• Australian Embassy in Thailand: https://thailand.embassy.gov.au/bkok/Getting_Married_in_Thailand.html